Rabat’s World Cup Makeover: Car Repair Shops Face Closure in Historic Neighborhood

Many development works are underway to change the appearance of the Océan neighborhood. They follow the surprising decision of the new mayor of Rabat, Fatiha El Moudni, to order the repair workshops and car garages, managed by companies or as self-employed, in the Océan neighborhood, to close their establishments or change their activities within 15 days, due to the lack of administrative authorization for the use of the public domain. This decision has puzzled all the users and owners of these establishments, some of which have been open for more than 60 years in the same neighborhood located in the heart of the capital.

Construction sites such as the underground parking lot on the Place de Russie and the rehabilitation of Rue de Bruxelles, which should become a pedestrian street, are also underway in the Océan neighborhood. These works are in line with the overall development of Rabat in preparation for the hosting of world events, particularly the 2030 World Cup, according to informed sources.